Struggling with the Past

Chapter 4

It's midnight and you, Poland, are sitting on your couch with your best friend Hungary, watching a movie and having a sleepover. Everything is going well and you're starting to relax and enjoy yourself, but then Hungary's expression changes. He has spotted the scars on your arms, exposed when your sleeves accidentally rode up too high.

"Poland, what happened to your arms?" Hungary asks, his voice filled with concern.

You feel ashamed and don't know how to answer, stuttering as you try to find the right words. But Hungary is persistent, he wants to know what happened and he keeps pushing.

"Poland, please tell me," Hungary urges.

You can't take it anymore and the tears start to flow. You feel embarrassed and ashamed, but Hungary's comforting words make you feel a little better. "I'm here for you, I'll always be here for you," Hungary says, hugging you..

"I-I don't know how to explain it," you, Poland, stammer, looking down at your arms, covered in scars. "I just- I felt so weak. I always think back to the Third Reich and the Soviet Union, and I can't shake off the feeling of inadequacy. I wanted to be stronger, but I couldn't. I-I just couldn't."

"I understand," Hungary says, his voice soothing as he pulls you into a comforting embrace. "It's okay, you don't have to face it alone."

You let out a shaky breath, feeling a weight lifted off your shoulders as you finally open up about your feelings. "I just wish I could be stronger," you say, your voice barely above a whisper.

"But you are strong," Hungary says, "You have been through so much and yet here you are still standing. You are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for."

You nod, feeling comforted by Hungary's words. You lay down to sleep, feeling grateful for Hungary's presence and support.

"Just know that I am here for you, I'll always be here for you," Hungary says before you drift off to sleep.